Time
Moderator 
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
|
Post by Time on Jun 5, 2023 22:34:04 GMT
Five years. It has been five long, yet seemingly short years since the Quillion Pirates have been sailing the East blue. Most rarely last this long, but thanks to the Sea Quill's uniquely designed engine, the tenacity of their crewmates, and their solid and honestly good reputation among some of the small island villages that have no Naval Presence, the group had survived..., They were out at sea, clear blue skies with countless, if not endless pattern of fluffy white clouds expanding over the horizon into the great blue yonder. The crew of minx, human,and fishman busying themselves, either cleaning, checking stock, or keeping the engine running as the Sea Quill coasts without a care in the world. In the Crow's Nest, a single crewmate was scanning the horizon for potential targets..... When he suddenly noticed something, and took a moment to get a second glance.... Then he shouted loudly, a caw as he leapt over the nest, his long arms grabbing ahold of the mast as he rapidly descended the pole like an orangutan. He was excited to get some news to his captain or first mate, sliding down like the mast was a firefighter pole, before screeching to a halt before he crashed at the bottom. Letting go of the pole, he waved his hands, red hot as he never seemed to learn the hazards of friction and blew on them, as he darted and shouted, "We got something on the horizon! I think it's a rowboat!" he yelled, his voice heavy with his native accent.
While for one group it was a boring and peaceful day of searching for their next target, for another it was a dreadful one. Having escaped her captors, and collect her grandfather's sword before managing to make an escape in the middle of the night, she had believed the row boat had adequate cargo, and that she would find land soon.... Except it's been nearly three days since then, and outside of a storm that nearly capsized her tiny boat, Yanagi was dehydrated, and worse.... Starving. This was different too. While she was surrounded by water, it was so salty that it would make anyone puke if they drank it. While the sea here was so indescribably peaceful compared to her homeland, it also meant she couldn't tell if she was moving along somewhere, or simply staying still in open ocean. Yanagi did think she saw something, but illusions had plagued her before these last few days.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmd1095 on Jun 5, 2023 23:18:14 GMT
Training on the deck, Serena noted how quiet it was today. No enemy pirates, no marines, no merchant ships to raid or islands to land at... hell even Ayane's experimentation had been quiet today and THAT was a rarity to say the least. Everything about the day had been quiet.
"What a nice peaceful day... I wonder when it will be ruined"
"We got something on the horizon! I think it's a rowboat!"
"There it is" Serena said dryly, sheathing her sword and walking over to grab a spyglass and look at where her crewmate was indicating
Sure enough there was a rowboat out there, what was a single rowboat doing out in the middle of the sea? Had a ship wrecked nearby? That could mean an easy score if they could spot the remains, if nothing else they could probably salvage for raw materials. She was about to put the spyglass away when she spotted something else about the boat. Was that... a person in there?
"All hands! We've got a shipwreck survivor! Change bearing and head for that rowboat!" Serena shouted, then pointed to the long arm man who'd spotted it "go get the captain, fill her in. And you three!" she said, then turned and selected three other crewmates "bring that rowboat aboard. But be ready, we don't know if this person will be hostile or not. If they attack then chain em up. I'm not about to let someone starve at sea but we're not going to be stupid about this. As for me, I'm going to the kitchen. They're going to need food and drink"
Serena would do just as she said, reporting to the kitchen to get cooking, meanwhile Onaka and Ayane would come on deck to see what all the commotion was about, and assist in bringing up the rowboat to greet their new passenger.
|
|
|
|
Post by ultralilly on Jun 6, 2023 1:04:55 GMT
Had it really been three days? Her mind couldn't tell the difference but her stomach knew better. It had been empty for awhile and growled in protest. It was a weak growl as its owner was weakened and seeing things. Was that a boat? Nah. It couldn't be a boat. It was an illusion much like that giant octopus that warned her not to drink sea water. If it weren't an illusion, she'd have cut it up and had some nice takoyaki. Ah. Thinking about it made her even weaker.
Her fingers clutched tightly on her grandfather's sword made just for her. She had this at least. That put some peace to her mind. She wasn't about to let her efforts go to waste. She'd even settle for some sashimi right about now if a fish was reckless enough to hop out of the water. Her nearly dead eyes stared at the water, deep down hoping a fish could be seen.
But no such luck. She looked at the hazy shape of the ship. It was a unique-looking ship. But it wasn't the same type as the one that transported her. No. This ship looked kind of outlandish and it made her chuckle weakly. Maybe she was seeing things after all. Her kimono was dirtied up and slightly torn and her eyes were nearly sunken in. But her grip on her weapon was firm. Maybe the nice illusion was going to take her aboard and give her one last delight before she passes on.
Somewhere deep down, there was a willpower that refused to let her just keel over. But for now, she'd let whatever happen happen and just accept things as they occurred. She sat up as best she could, looked at the coming ship, then feel forward flat on her face.
|
|
Time
Moderator
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
|
Post by Time on Jun 6, 2023 2:14:26 GMT
"AYE AYE!" The crew members of the Sea Quill stated, before one of the members ran off to gather their Captain Onaka. At the Helm, the helmswoman, a shark like fishman woman who heard Serena made headway towards the direction indicated by her superior officer, increasing engine speed as the ship moved on.
Ayane would hear the alarm for an increase in fuel, stating the obvious that something was happening since it wasn't suggested to run the engine higher than coasting speed.
Once they arrived before the rowboat, they would notice the woman inside, a human from the looks of it, who tried to seem dignified before collapsing again. The crew double timed to bring the rowboat up. A young looking girl covered in a oversized white coat reached the deck as she saw the rowboat being hauled up. "A rowboat? I guess it has been fairly quiet today.... Surprised that Ayane hasn't blown herself up aga-" she stated, before noticing that the rowboat wasn't empty. Immediately Freya darted behind the mast, peaking from the side as she watched the situation. Once ahe noticed the woman's condition, Freya spoke up and darted in, her face furrowed as she immediately got to work. Taking a look, she noticed symptoms of starvation, dehydration, and probably the beginnings of scurvy. Nothing that would cause lasting damage, but nothing it a good meal wouldn't fix.
Yanagi would be able to hear these voices as the other crewmates seemed to debate on what to do. "Captain said to keep our guards up, but maybe we should disarm her first.". Yanagi would feel someone attempting to grab her blade immediate after.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmd1095 on Jun 6, 2023 3:52:50 GMT
Out of pure curiosity, Ayane came up on deck to see what was going on, arriving at about the same time as Onaka was found and brought out. She got up just in time to see Yanagi be brought on board, she instantly recognized the attire. "Another Wano exile in the East Blue? Intriguing!" she said excitedly, and then she saw one of the crew going for the woman's sword
"NO! DON'T TOUCH HER SWORD!" Ayane said, jumping from the higher deck she was on and tackling the crew member reaching for it to the ground "Everyone stay back if you value your limbs!"
Ayane would shove everyone away from Yanagi, then turn around to look at Yanagi "I'm sorry for them, they're not from Wano like us. They don't know the significance of a samurai's sword. Please, just take it easy and... don't attack them for that... please"
Onaka would arrive on the scene shortly after, getting filled in by a crewmember
"Well get her some food then!" Onaka said "oh I guess Serena is already doing that... well, someone go get Freya and let her know there's a patient then. And don't do anything to provoke them, they're going to be desperate so don't give them a reason to..."
Onaka looked at Ayane having tackled a person to the ground and ushering everyone away from the oddly dressed woman. "and you already did didn't you... and here I thought I was the reckless one." she sighed "someone go tell Serena to hurry, I'll help smooth things over."
|
|
|
|
Post by ultralilly on Jun 6, 2023 5:18:31 GMT
Yanagi could feel movement. Hands on her. SHe didn't mind. Or rather, she didn't have the energy to react. These were some real illusions. Did she get captured again? No. She'd already be in shackles and they'd be alot rougher. And moreover, they'd take away her weap-
Reality snapped back into place as she instinctively tightened her grip on the sword and her eyes came to life briefly seconds before a voice rang out that she focused on.
"NO DON'T TOUCH HER SWORD!"
Blurry human shape of a figure was before her and said more words. Words she understood despite how tired she was. Someone else from Wano? And she looked at her arms and legs to see no chains. She walked freely it seemed. Her dead-looking eyes briefly looked at Ayane then down to the ground as she nodded in understanding. Her grip lessened but was still clutched close to her like it was part of her. As far as she was concerned, it was.
Her lips parted and she swallowed. "Food....please..."she managed to say weakly in a raspy voice. But she knew she couldn't pay it
|
|
Time
Moderator
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
|
Post by Time on Jun 6, 2023 5:57:50 GMT
The fishman that had tried to grab the weapon instantly froze as he felt murderous intent radiating as Yanagi opened her eyes, before Ayane tackled him. The others had only seen him briefly pause, and assumed that he was listening, only for Ayane's warning to back away made the other two,and Freya jump back their looks being that of shock and fear. Freya quickly came to when Onaka spoke up and called for her, "Present. She's not doing well. Severely dehydrated and likely starving. Slight signs of Scurvy, so we'll have to give her some watered down lime juice. Go ahead and take her to my cabin." She instructed the two others who Ayane didn't tackle. As they helped the woman from Wano up, carrying her, Freya would notice it, and perhaps both Onaka and Ayane. They had seen ot enough with their own experience, the red markings of skin rubbed almost raw with iron. This girl had been shackled up until recently. Freya gave a silent and somber look to her captain. "Ayane, can you let Serena know to make something easy on the stomach that our guest could be familiar with?". She asked, taking a bit of control of her newest patients well being.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmd1095 on Jun 6, 2023 6:34:14 GMT
"I know the drill for feeding someone who's starving Freya" Serena said from the doorway, she was balancing multiple platters of food using her devil fruit powers to make sure they didn't wobble or fall "everything here is stuff that was fed to me back when I was in this girl's shoes. Didn't do much accounting for her culture's dishes or anything but it's already made so this is what she's getting.
Serena would walk over to Yanagi and pluck one such food item from one of the trays, handing it over to the starving woman. "Here, eat this to start and get a bit of strength, we're going to move you to a bed so you can get checked up by our doctor, but I've got a full meal ready for you once we're in the medical bay. It's not fancy, but it'll fill you up and make you feel much better. Don't worry, you're safe now. I won't let anyone starve on this ship."
Onaka would step forward and put a hand on Serena's shoulder reassuringly. She knew better than anyone else here the kind of condition Serena had been in when they met. Everyone else knew to some extent, but only Onaka had been there and seen it firsthand at the time. She saw the markings of the shackles and her face darkened.
"Slavers... and judging by the markings she escaped recently. They're probably in the area. Ayane you let Serena and Freya handle our guest. Go coordinate with Moxie and get us ready to move. If we spot their ship we need to be ready to run... or go on the attack if we can take them. I want everyone on alert till we know what we're dealing with." Onaka said, taking charge of the situation. Part of her wanted to go right after the slavers right here and now... but if they had a captive from Wano that meant they were probably dangerous, and she wasn't going to risk any of her crew being caught by slavers just to pick a fight to satisfy her own disdain for slavers "and make sure those cannons are oiled up and ready to fire! I don't want a repeat of that one time!"
Ayane would nod and dart below deck, and Serena would accompany Yanagi to the medical bay.
The medical bay was one of the most "normal" looking parts of the ship. Ayane wasn't allowed to mess with it as much as everywhere else because for all the many fields of science the girl was educated in, medical science was not one of them... or at least she didn't know enough to be making machines for it. She deferred to Freya on this part of the ship. It had a handful of beds, each with medical equipment set up next to them such as IVs and monitors. The bay could treat most of the crew at once in a crisis if they laid out cots on the floor, but had enough proper beds to comfortably handle 6 patients at once.
The bay was also fully stocked with a chemistry lab for Freya to synthesize medicines, and as she was the quartermaster as well it was always kept well stocked. They even had a blood bag vault. The bay was about as good as medical facilities got on the open sea. It was actually somewhat better equipped than the on land clinics at a lot of the smaller towns they visited.
Serena would help set Yanagi up in one of the beds, then while Freya got ready to do her checkups and whatnot Serena would set the platters of food in front of Yanagi one at a time, not giving her everything at once so she wouldn't make herself sick by eating too fast.
|
|
|
|
Post by ultralilly on Jun 6, 2023 7:38:26 GMT
She didn't know what was going on. She shakily surveyed her surroundings as best she could then sunlight crept over her vision as a new voice joined in accompanied by the unmistakable aroma of freshly made food. Serena's image became clearer and clearer in her eyes which beheld an item that was soon placed in her hand. Her breath shuddered and she looked down. Serena's words echoed distantly in her thoughts as she beheld the food item which was bread. It was simply bread. No if ands or buts about it. it was a plain roll. But to Yanagi, it was the most delicious-looking thing in the world right now. She shakily brought it up to her mouth as she looked to Serena as they walked.
Her eyes became filled with light as she caught Serena's form perfectly. No one else. Just Serena. She then graciously took bites as they went and felt so happy, she began to tear up. She wasted not a single crumb. Every bite that she took and swallowed felt so heavenly. In between bites she manage to murmur out "I'm grateful...I'm so grateful..."
She was finished with the roll the moment they helped her upon the bed. This room was clean. Perhaps this was where they all slept. No. There were glass containers and it looked well-kept. Maybe a place for doctors. Whatever the case was, she kept her eyes on Serena...then on the food that was placed before her. She was already grateful for just a single roll of bread. But now a meal? Words could not rightly justify how she felt right now. No sooner than the platter was set out did Yanagi totally devour what was on it in a manner of seconds then downed the accompanying beverage. Then awaited the next then repeated the process.
She stopped eating as she hada thought. She had been revitalized enough for light to return to her eyes as she looked to Serena. "Who...made this all?" she asked pointedly as if it was of great importance that she knew.
|
|
Time
Moderator
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
|
Post by Time on Jun 6, 2023 9:07:06 GMT
The crewmates quickly got to work, though the fishman who had been tackled did have to take a moment to dust themselves off before. "Right, I'll secure the newest rowboat captain.". He said, before getting right to it. Freya rolled her eyes and squinted at Serena, but didn't go beyond that. She'd have time to scold her later for trying to be smart with her.
In the mean time, Freya would follow the two, and Ayane would dive down to check on thr cannons. They were a bit rusty since the last week had been quiet. In fact, it was almost like this part of the East Blue was surprisingly empty, like people had been told to avoid this area or go somewhere else. Even the Marines weren't around, and they usually harassed the group every other week in some manner. Next would be to communicate with Moxie, after oiling the cannons.
Onaka would stand there for a moment, watching her crew quickly get to their standby stations and making sure everything was ready. "Busy today, aren't we?", A all too familiar voice spoke up. Isabelle was approaching Onaka, her tail swaying as she walked like a content cat. "Oh, that's a nice rowboat. Really nice. I might decide to take a nap in it at some point." The older minx stated as she looked at the rowboat. "Well maintained, polished metal pieces, oh, and some really well made oars too.". She stated, pulling one of them up. "I wouldn't expect slavers to keep such a rowboat in good shape. Normally you're just as likely to get stuck with a splinter as much as stuck by those scoundrels."
The other human crewmate spoke up, "Yeah, I reckon we could sell it for 200 thousand Berries. Pocket change, but still good money.". Isabelle would nod. "It's not our usual haul, but still. We should likely head back to one of our stopping points." The minx scratched behind her ear, before they perked up. Looking up, she noticed that a bird had been circling the ship. It was an Albatross Gull, and one of the many newspaper delivery services available to anyone, whether pirate or marine. "Want a paper?" Isabelle asked her captain.
Meanwhile Yanagi would eat with such ferocity that even Freya waa freaking out a bit. "Slow down you half dead idiot, you're going to choke!". Almost instantly karma kicked in, as Yanagi would scoff and sputter for a moment before recovering. Freya held her head as she now had another headache to worry about. When Yanagi asked who made the food, she pointed at the red headed ginger, "Our resident Chef and First Mate. I'm Freya, the crew's Doctor and Quartermaster." The young looking girl said, as she stood up, and pulled out an stethoscope, bandage wrap, and a small container of ointment. "Now, I need to check your condition and health. Oh, another thing, please put your sword to the side. I won't touch it, but I'd feel more comfortable if you weren't capable of literally disarming me." She said, getting straight to work if Yanagi was cooperative.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmd1095 on Jun 6, 2023 13:07:04 GMT
Up on deck Onaka would smile at Isabelle, the older Mink was one of the crewmates she was closest with. Serena was nice and a great first mate, but Isabelle was a old and wise and could share stories of their homeland before the fall. So they had bonded quite a bit over the years.
"You're right that this boat is in good shape, but that girl was clearly being held captive. Only other option was she escaped from some kind of prison ship. Marines maybe? Not sure why they'd transport a girl from Wano to the blues though. All their best prisons are in the Line after all." Onaka mused, then also spotted the Gull "yeah sure, who knows maybe the paper will give us a hint as to why a girl from Wano is here, or why things have been so quiet lately. I don't mind a little quiet now and then, but not knowing why makes me nervous
---
Down in the bay Serena would start giving Yanagi smaller portions to account for how she was inhaling the food. The total amount of food would be the same, but given in smaller chunks to prevent her hurting herself
"Like Freya said, I'm the chef here, occasionally I get a helping hand from the crew but I run the kitchens here" Serna said "and Freya runs the medical bay. Please do as she says, trust me you don't want to have her force you to behave. But she can be trusted, and if you don't mind telling us a bit how you got to be stranded like that in the first place that'd be good.
|
|
|
|
Post by ultralilly on Jun 6, 2023 20:48:21 GMT
A little karma never stopped Yanagi before concerning eating as she knew she would choke a little. But it was worth it. She looked to the one they described and gazed upon her with awe. Her aquamarine green eyes scanned Serena closely then faced Freya when she spoke to her. They were here to help and there was no reason not to trust someone who looked like a professional. She clutched her weapon tightly but nodded in understanding as she set it aside, letting it lean on the side of the bed. She kept a hand on the side with the sword but kept the other in her lap.
It was clear her body was dehydrated outside of the liquid and there would be scars to be found outside of the markings from shackles. But these were older.
During this entire time, Yanagi hummed thoughtfully. This Freya was treating her. And this Serena fed her. She was on the brink of death and they saved her. She didn't question why.But now. Now she had to repay the favor. But she'd never be able to. Her brain clicked and made a decision on the spot as she nodded to herself. Before all of this, she had been making faces with her eyes closed. When they opened, they locked onto Serena with resolution.
"Okay...I've decided." her tone was firm and her eyes were sharp as she smiled. Her hand that was resting in her laparose and pointed to Serena.
"From this day forward, I shall dedicate my life to you because now I've decided...you are my future wife!" she said as much with unerring resolve, a bright smile brimming with confidence, and her arm crossed over her chest.
|
|
Time
Moderator
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
|
Post by Time on Jun 7, 2023 3:43:30 GMT
Freya would indeed find everything alright outside of that, but she wasn't just checking for dehydration. Yanagi's muscle tone, hardened palms, and old scars told of a life that was filled with hardship and resolve. To Freya, she'd recover well enough thanks to that resolve. Applying the ointment and wrapping the bandages, she get annoyed by the constant changing of her face, and more annoyingly posture slightly as it affected her work.
Then Yanagi made her declaration, and Freya decided to give a twist to the swordsman's arm. Nothing damaging, but enough to cause pain and indicate that Serena had not been kidding, "How's about you focus on staying still and recovering before having fun times, okay?" She said, her glasses lower on her face and a dark shadow cast over her as a vein popped out.
Once the message got through, Freya would treat the other shackle wounds. "If you're really grateful, We actually need you to tell us who did this to you. Once you're back to full condition, then you can try to swoon Serena. Though good luck with that."
On deck Isabelle would nod before whistling the Gull down. A 100 ß later and the two of them saw the news. It seemed that something or someone created a rumor that has the marines heading to a place called Reverse Mountain to cut off pirates before they enter the Grand Line. The rumor was that a surge of pirates would attempt to enter the Grand Line on the day of Jol E D'vils execution. "So they are going to Reverse Mountain.....". Isabelle said, making a worried face. "Time for a lesson Onaka. What happens if they successfully barricade against this rumored wave?"
Meanwhile, once Ayane was done, she'd tell the Helmswoman the situation and what to do. "Aye aye.... You didn't make any recent modifications have you Ayane?". The shark like fishwoman asked with suspicion. Ayane had been eerily quiet lately, and it was making the her nervous.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmd1095 on Jun 7, 2023 4:14:03 GMT
Serena had been dutifully providing the food, but took a moment to take a sip of water, just as Yanagi made her declaration and made Serena choke on it
"I'm your WHAT?" Serena exclaimed loudly, blushing a bit. "hold up, slow down. I feed you one time and you want me to be your wife? You may be cute but..."
Serena looked at Yanagi's expression "you're... serious... aren't you" she said, face turning even redder. Thankfully for her Freya interrupted the moment by twisting Yanagi's arm to get her to behave
Serena took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. "I am... flattered. But I'm not about to marry some stranger I just met, especially not one whose heart can be won with some food I whipped up in ten minutes." she said "besides... I'm not really dating material."
Serena sighed, then got to her feet "I'm going to go make sure everyone else is doing fine, I'm sure you can handle this Freya." she said, then wandered off... heading to distract herself from the sudden panic Yanagi's declaration had put her in.
---
Below deck Ayane smiled sheepishly "Whaaaaat? Nooo, you know I'm not allowed to tinker on the engines while we're at sea... now that isn't to say I haven't been working on anything at all... like the fuel cells design... but the engines are fine... probably. Like... %57.82 odds that nothing will happen at all. And maybe a tiiiiiny little chance they'll overload and stall out and require a full reboot that'll leave us dead in the water for a few hours. But if the new design works we'll get a %3.3 improvement in fuel efficiency!" she answered with an innocent* smile
-----
On deck, Onaka considered the paper "Well if there's a run on the mountain, it's gonna be a big fight. A lot of pirate crews are gonna get wiped out, if the marines actually hold the mountain that'll mean nobody can get to the Grand Line for a long time. With pirate crews reduced in number and strength the marines will have more resources to spare fortifying the mountain more, and hunting for pirates who didn't go there that day... something like that right?" she mused aloud, for as reckless as she often was leading them, she wasn't a stupid girl. She could be clever when she put her mind to it... she just also got overexcited and forgot to put her mind to it a lot
"if that's the case... that means we probably need to make the run same time as everyone else... Serena isn't going to like that. She's been adamant we not even attempt the crossing till we somehow find a log pose, but it's been five years, we're about as prepared as we can get. It's probably time we started making our way over and get ready to run the mountain." Onaka concluded
|
|
|
|
Post by ultralilly on Jun 7, 2023 4:40:44 GMT
She had said it without even a second thought. This was how she felt. This beautiful red-headed angel that gave her life with just something as simple as food was her savior. Was it delirium that made her say it? No. She was thinking clearly. Then when she saw Serena blush, her heart did a little leap and she smiled broadly moments before her eyes widened and there was a sting of pain. The medically inclined Freya had made Yanagi focus.
"Owowowow....!!!"
It wasn't the most painful thing she had endured but it certainly did get her attention. Just like old times. She remained still to let Freya do her job. She sighed fondly with remembrance then watched Serena leave. She added one last comment to Serena, cupping one side of her mouth so her voice would carry. "Oh, I disagree! I think you are quite beautiful! We shall talk again once your talented and firm doctor fixes me up!"
She faced Freya, her face going from lovey-dovey to brass tacks. "They had very forgettable faces, the ones who did this. That was the lot of them. But only one stood out as bearing any sort of feature worth remembering." she said with absolute certainty. "Someone in white. Blue accents. Had a symbol on the back. Had gold on their shoulders." her fingers belonging to the hand being treated trembled. her eyes half-lidded and her face near contorted with pain. Mental anguish. Her teeth grit as she recalled the face but could only vividly recall one feature. "Their eyes. Every time I was hurt, those eyes were looking down at me and laughing. They didn't laugh. But their eyes...they were enjoying what they were seeing. If I ever see them again....!"
A surge of bloodlust briefly filled the room as her fingers drew toward her weapon then relented. She cast her gaze downward. "...apologies. That is all I know...after leaving Wano...it's just been...nnngh." she held her tongue. Looking away, she hung her head.
|
|
